The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31
RESORTS OF SHADE-HU HUNTERS
Where City Picnic and Camping Parties
Go for Outdoor Recreation.
Favorite Spots Along White River Where OPP
portunity is Afforded Suffering City People
for Relief from Broiling Summer Heat.

A short drive in any direction brings the In
dianapoltan to places where the heat is tenn
pered by spreading shades, and revivify-
ing breezes Eight or ten miles out of
the dust and air overcharged by the blaz-
ing sun makes one think he is only
a short way from paradise. 1t is the groves and
the bre.zes, with here and there the promise OF
fishing, that alone attracts the worn city man to
these spots. Enterprise In assisting nature with
attractive features has Jagged somewhat. for
there is place around the city, unless it be
Broad Ripple, that has distinctively the charac-
ter of a resort But nature unadorned here
abouts is sufficiently winning to lead thousands
Sunday holiday to enjoy her attrae-
tons The hot days of July and August. though,
are escaped by hundreds of private parties, who
take to tents for weeks along White river. On
Sundays the many more who find time only
for one days outing increase the number of camp
dwellers. They represent all conditions oe
the middle and working classes Their
will not allow them even short sojourns
at our lake resorts but it is enough for them to
get Sunday in the woods now and then with
perhaps Saturday thrown in to make the home
coming less regretful. Yet there many who
can take to summering at a greater expense who
prefer the picnic the camp in the vicinity of
home. A day or two, or perhaps week, is thus
spent, and then occurs interval of city life
again to be succeeded by another short period of
delicious loahng in the country During the
season the summering parties from this city who
the resorts within a radius of ten fifteen
miles number many thousands. Many go to
them in carriage, wagon or rail, ana once there
find nature in her most inv iting character
In the near future there is money for some
one who will take any of these available sites
and equip them with hotels, camps, and all
means of healthy amusements. The people are
creating the demand. and it will not be
long before capital will supply it.
But at the same time there is disposition to
avoid crowds on the part of many who desire
rest, short or long as it may be This class have
eye for the picturesque. They choose the
attractive spots along rivers and creeks far
away possible from any else Up goes
tho tent and for weeks families with neigh
bors nearer than half mile seek their summers
relief from cares. business and heat 1t is re-
marked that this year this class has been greatly
en1 arged. gentleman who made a canoe trip
recently from Noblesville down to the city
noticed that from point just above the Marion
county line to Broad Ripple tents. one two or in
groups of three. dotted the White river shors at
distances of a half mile short distance be-
low the city the campers rs-out again appear and
keep the line to MartinsvilIe OF course all
this means plenty of shade, great deal of inno-
cent sport, all the fishing needs and the
enjoyment of anything and everything that
means healthy recreation.
Broad Ripple used TO be favorite resort for
quiet parties, but the great public began to edge
in with it's mixed character Now day there
is to mingle with crowds. Boating and fishing
the principal amusemenrs, but the ouieter
folks go mile above where the attractions are
as plentiful. A mile below is Island ford,
beautiful spot that is coming into groat favor.
But anywhere in the neghborhood of Broad
Ripple can be found choice places for parties or
picnics. Down the river below haywood is
Hcnch's grove, that was Snca favored by soce-
n T. fFrivats picnics and fishing parties. 1t has
lost some of it's popularity because of the new
additions to camping grounds. Each year
discovers spot
and recites its beauties. The word goes around,
and in a few weeks il becomes the destination OF
party after party. Emerichs grove. south of the
city, takes in the public. It has shade and other
features to please excursionists by whom it is
chiefly favored.
In the northeas of the city, many people go
as far as Miersviile, which place
bluff very attractive grounds. in the
direction, not far from Glen Ethel is another
grove that woos the tired city man. Out on
flourish while Mersville and Glen Ethel
visited solely bv family parties Five miles
from the city is Hammond's grove. 1t is near
Schofeids mill on Fall creek. 1t is one of the
late discoveries and is fast becoming
popular. Some who have visited the place like it
better than Broad Ripple. The proprietor has
supplied it with dancing platform and one
find there boats and other means of amusemens.
Spring hill is another great picnic ground. and
Golden hill is sought BY Sunday schools.
churches and limited excursions.
All these places are for the peonie who
only take out day now and then from sum-
mers toll Camp Acton and Bethany, the
former on the big Four and the latter the
Vincennes road more select being
trolDed by associations from the Methodist and
Christian churches, respectively. Yet they give
the public a share of their delights and during
the sessions of their meetings and assemblies
thousands visit each place. Near Glen valley
fishing parties find great sport in Shannon lake.
1t is only ten miles from the city and its visitors
during the summer numerous. In addition
to these places there many nearer the city.
Indeed 60 where one will nowadays, can
hardly escape picnic camp.